Bulgur wheat, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, spring onions with lots of parsley and mint, then tossed with olive oil and lemon juice in this fresh and light Middle Eastern salad. Chill before serving for best flavour.

Japanese soba (buckwheat) noodles are marinated in tamari, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sugar and chilli oil, then tossed with julienned carrots and red peppers for a delicious cold salad with an Asian touch.

I live in Turkey and love ordering haydari. It is a thick and tangy Turkish yoghurt dip best served with meat kebabs and pitta bread. You can even serve it with toasted pitta triangles as a party nibble.

This chickpea puree is simply divine. Chickpeas are blended with lemon zest, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and garlic. Serve as a dip with vegetables or pitta bread. It also does well as a sandwich filler.